Celebrate National Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month. Celebrate by sharing information on women’s achievements and new insights on challenges women still face.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1500299/celebrate_national_womens_history_month.html

Not Your Average Princess

Not Your Average Princess

Posted by The Q on February 12th, 2009

Little girls are indoctrinated into Princess Culture before they can even speak in full sentences. Pictures of doe-eyed Cinderellas and Sleeping Beauties adorn everything from plates and cups to clothing and shoes. In fact, Disney’s Princesses marketing campaign is considered one of the most successful in the history of the company–and in the marketing industry. These graceful beauties are impossible to escape no matter where you shop.
But every princess story (with rare exception) is based on a plot of victimization and rescue. Princesses wait, either passively as in the case of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White; or miserably as in the case of Cinderella; for someone to rescue them and make their ‘dreams come true’. And that someone is always a prince.
These princesses may have different hairstyles and costumes, but they all have one thing in common: They are pretty and charming. Often their prince falls in love with them without them even speaking a word. Such is the power of beauty. It brings love.
The result of this indoctrination are a generation of young women who are obsessed with their appearances and who are taught that being loved is directly related to how pretty they are. The American Psychological Association is just one of many groups who have raised red flags about the sexualization of girls and the self-image problems that contribute to eating disorders, depression, and low self-esteem.
This disturbing trend did not escape the notice of a Susan Johnston, a single woman in her late thirties who had been in more than 17 wedding parties. Johnston was a happy, well-traveled, educated woman who was shocked at how many young girls told her that they could not be a princess without a prince.
“When I was growing up, I watched shows like Wonder Woman and Charlie’s Angels. Those women were out there saving people, not passively waiting to be rescued,” Johnston revealed in an interview.
Together with her friend Kimberly Webb, Johnston developed the character of Princess Bubble, “a well-employed, globe-trotting, good-friend, good-date, helpful-neighbor princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale message that implies she must find her ‘prince’ before she can live ‘happily ever after.’”
She took the advice of her mom and joined www.FindYourPrince.com. With her mind in a fog, she even kissed a frog! All the princeless princesses had long talks about where their princes could be. But, Bubble did not believe just any prince would bring her “happily ever after.” Yet the fairy tales said she must find HER prince!
The message of Princess Bubble is not anti-marriage, nor does it discourage girls from wanting to look beautiful. What the book does do, however, is address the motivations and reasons for getting married and looking beautiful. “Marriage can’t be the dream,” Johnston said, “It is a way to share your dream with someone special.” Johnston herself became engaged in her early forties, long after Disney’s 16-year-old Ariel found true love. “I really made Princess Bubble as a better version of me. She wants to help others and make a difference in the world. That’s what true princesses do. Princess Diana–more remembered for helping than being waited on. Being a princess is not not just sitting on a throne and having a crown.”
Another dimension to Princess Bubble is that unlike any other princess, she has faith. Johnston and Webb, both Christians, wrote the book from the perspective of a woman who believes God plays an active role in their lives. Those who have belief in a higher power agree that no one–not even a single woman in her 30’s–is alone when they have faith.
Johnston and Webb financed the book themselves because they believe so strongly in the message of Princess Bubble. The response has been phenomenal. “We’ve had countless women all over the nation tell us they wish there had been a book like this when they were little. In fact, many of the mothers who bought this book for their daughters tell us that the book has helped them re-evaluate their own marriage and what it means to them.”
The book is written with wit and verve; the illustrations are fun and colorful; and Princess Bubble is a beautiful woman inside and out. If you are a parent or grandparent, consider getting this book for your own little princess and encourage her to be more than just a pretty face.
Princess Bubble is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and at local retailers nationwide.
In 2003, breast implants tripled from 3,872 to 11,326 in girls under age 18.
Girls ages 12 to 19 spent over $8 million on cosmetics in 2005.
(Source: Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls,2007)

http://theqreation.com/?p=24

Princess Bubble

Princess Bubble

As a mother of a six-year-old girl, I find myself in a constant battle (already!) with the “idealized” female. In fact, I think the indoctrination of young girls begins at birth, but it hits hardest between the ages of 3-7 when they are literally immersed in the “princess culture”. So, when I saw the book Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, it was as if the clouds parted and shaft of light broke through.

Princess Bubble, according to the author’s website is a character who is “a well-employed, globe-trotting, good-friend, good-date, helpful-neighbor princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale message that implies she must find her “prince” before she can live ‘happily ever after.’”

Can you say EUREKA?!

I had a chance to speak with Susan Johnston on the phone about her book and she told me her story. Recently engaged for the first time in her 40’s, Johnston has lived an exciting and fulfilling life as a single woman. She found herself becoming increasingly disappointed in the conversations she was having with young girls, who consistently told her that they wanted to be princesses–and that it was a requirement to find a prince to be happy.

Johnston talked to her friend Susan Webb (who has four young nieces) about the idea of creating a character that is both a princess and a multi-dimensional woman. The two developed the character of Princess Bubble who Johnston describes as “a better version of me.”

“She wants to help others and make a difference in the world. Being a princess is not just sitting on a throne and having a crown. Princess Diana is remembered more for helping than being waited on.”

Does this mean that Princess Bubble is a raging anti-man, anti-lipstick-wearing, cold-hearted bitch? Not at all. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be pretty and glamorous,” Johnston said. “And marriage is wonderful. But marriage can’t BE the dream. Marriage is a way to SHARE your dream with someone special.”

Young girls need to feel confident to explore new things; gain education and experience; travel and see the world. They need to be whole and complete themselves before they decide to commit to a lifelong relationship. Being a woman (and every woman is a princess) means asking questions like:

Do you feel like a victim? (Every other fairy tale princess is a victim of some sort.)
Are you waiting to be rescued?
Do you have to be rescued to have the fairy tale?
What makes you truly happy?
Retail therapy makes everyone happy for an instant. But what makes you happy long after
Princess Bubble also incorporates an element of faith, something overlooked in almost every princess story. While written from a Christian perspective, little girls from all religions can benefit from the example of this charming young woman who bases her choices on her beliefs, not on the desperate need to be loved and accepted.

Johnston and Webb financed the publishing of this book on their own because it contains a message that they really believe in. If you’d like to help a young girl discover more about womanhood than being rescued and looking pretty, buy her a copy of Princess Bubble and help support this wonderful creative endeavor.

Princess Bubble is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local retailers around the country.

http://bunnyglitter.com/?p=471

A Different Kind of Princess

A Different Kind of Princess

Princess Bubble is a beautiful fairy tale princess AND an educated, hard-working, well-traveled woman with plenty of moxie. Authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb created the character of Princess Bubble to help combat stereotypes and fight the victim mentality that young girls are indoctrinated with almost from birth. The book is written from a Christian perspective, encouraging young girls to be princess with morals, ethics, and faith in addition to a pretty dress and lip gloss.

Johnston and Webb financed the book themselves because they believed the young girls in their lives needed a story that inspired them to go after their dreams, not just wait around for someone else to fulfill them.

You can buy Princess Bubble at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Share this wonderful story with a little girl in your life and help her become a different kind of princess.

Happy Valentine’s Day without a Prince?

Happy Valentine’s Day without a Prince?

Featured on The Today Show and CNN

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch

New Release, Princess Bubble, Strikes Chord with America’s 51% SINGLE WOMEN WHO, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN U.S. HISTORY, OUTNUMBER MARRIED WOMEN

ATLANTA, February 11, 2009—This Valentine’s Day almost 90 million Americans will celebrate the romantic holiday single. Two successful prince-less princesses show the world that being a stuffy Old Maid does not have to be “in the cards” for single woman today! Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb offer girls of all ages updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince!

With wisdom gleaned from their careers as single, globe-trotting flight attendant, first-time author Susan Johnston has crafted a modern-day book that celebrates singleness. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that some single women face.

“Knowing how low self-esteem and depression plague many single females, we wanted to spread the message that ‘happily ever after’ can occur even before Prince Charming arrives. . . or even if he never does,” said Johnston.

“We’re definitely not anti-Prince,” said Johnston (whose college nickname was “Bubble”). “We’re not anti-family or anti-marriage, if anything we’re anti-‘Damsel in Distress.’ Our message—the single life can also be a fairy tale. The End!”

Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” the book reveals, “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!”

In Her Heels with Princess Bubble Author, Susan Johnston

In Her Heels with Princess Bubble Author, Susan Johnston
http://www.shetakesontheworld.com/

We’ve all read them: Fairy tales that end with a princess finding Prince Charming and living *sigh* happily ever after. Or so we’ve been told. Move over damsel-in-distress; there’s a new princess in town! Her name is Princess Bubble and she’s an independent, intelligent, globe trotting princess that doesn’t need Prince Charming to live her life. Creators Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb are changing the way girls think of happily ever after.
Susan, I love this book and I love what you ladies are doing. How did you meet each other?

Although Kim and I were both Delta flight attendants, we actually met through an old boyfriend. So, we joke and say that did not work out but I kept Kim.

What sparked the idea for Princess Bubble?

After being in 17 weddings and exhausted from hearing “Why aren’t you married?” I was playing Barbie with a friend’s daughter and was told that Barbie could not live “happily ever after” without a prince. I questioned this little princess, telling her I was single and happy and had traveled the world, had wonderful friends and family…And she informed me this was not possible for Barbie or any of the Disney princesses because it had been clearly documented -No Prince equals no chance of “happily ever after.”

I thought about this and wondered what we were teaching our girls. Wasn’t happiness to be shared and not made the responsibility of another human to fulfill? I wrote an email to friends with a rough draft of Princess Bubble asking what they thought. Isn’t it time for a new fairy tale? Kim quickly responded, “Yes! Let’s make it happen.” So, we published Princess Bubble together. Tell us more about the Princess Bubble character? From an excerpt I read that she took a job with Royal Heir Line to travel. It sounds like Princess Bubble is based on your own lives. Is that a correct assumption?

Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
Recently, my life took an unexpected turn I NEVER expected for myself and I met a prince. This relationship has made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because we both feel so strongly about being happy first and then as secure happy people you are able to encourage each other to fulfill their dreams and be a better person. Not expect the other person to be the dream.
Kim is very happy single and has a fabulous life traveling, dating and has mastered Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. We are both very close to our nieces and nephews.

What is your vision for Princess Bubble and your company?

We would love for Princess Bubble to travel the world and learn about languages, cultures and the education of travel. But, we self-published Princess Bubble and are not in the financial position to finance her travels just yet. But, that is our dream.

If there are any publishers or investors reading, take a look at Princess Bubble! What is the message you want to get across to women and girls?

Kim and I believe it is far better to be single and wish you were married than married and wish you were single. Our passion is for girls/women to recognize their value and worth. We believe true happiness comes from loving God, helping others and liking who you are already. There are so many girls compromising themselves, starving themselves and in abusive dating relationships-all seeking the attention of some guy. We want these girls to know they are a special princess and feel secure in their own skin. What is a day like in your heels? Kim still works for Delta and she tutors Spanish. She has her Masters in Romantic Languages. I left Delta in 2006 and took a job with a builder. I was recently laid off. So, I am looking for a job and we both are promoting Princess Bubble hoping to empower girls and reach people with this message we are so passionate about. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today. Happily ever after!

Princess Bubble

Princess Bubble

What is your idea of “happily ever after?” That is the concept that I struggle with when reading fairy tales to my daughters. I try to convey to them that BEFORE I met their father and got married I was living “happily ever after.” He was just icing on the (wedding) cake. I tell them, they can find fulfilling lives of travel, careers and good friends without or before marriage. What do these ramblings have to do with this blog?

Well, there is a book that I just discovered written by two Spirited Women – Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb – and it is titled Princess Bubble. Princess Bubble has a career with an airline, travels the world, owns her own home and has lots of great friends and family. One day she is called to meet with the Queen who puts pressure on her to marry (because all of her friends are!). So she signs up for Royal on-line dating (which is very clever) but after going on date after date she realizes that she is already happy. Her fairy godmother appears with an empowering message for Princess Bubble – “you do not have to be rescued!” True happiness is about helping others and making a difference in the world.

To learn more about the book, meet the authors and find out where to purchase it, log on to http://www.princessbubble.com and become enchanted!

- Kristin Flannery

Book Review: Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston

Book Review: Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston
January 13, 2009 by Holly
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Parents read to their children all the time; in fact, some expectant mothers read to their children while they are still in utero and one of the most popular things that parents read to their children are fairy tales.
One thing you will be slapped in the face with repeatedly while reading any fairy tale is that all fairy princesses find their prince and then live happily ever after. Of course most fairy tales were written so long ago that sure, finding a man and living your life together was the standard; but what you can absorb through watching just one episode of Sex and the City is that finding a man and living “happily ever after” is no longer the standard. Now, women can be without a man and still go on to pursue their careers, own their own home and most of all, be happy with who they are without needing the validation of having a man–And now there’s a fairy tale for the modern day life.
Princess Bubble is the fairy tale story of a princess who sees her friends find their princes, get married and live happily ever after all the while being told that she too must go out and find her prince charming. After searching high and low for the man of her dreams, she finds that she is happy just how she is–She has a career as a flight attendant, she has her very own castle (that is decorated just the way she likes it and she didn’t have to give up an entire room in that castle for her prince to make into a den or a rec room, by the way,) and best of all, she is happy with herself and her life without needing to find a prince.
This story is a must-read for both children and for adult women, in my opinion. It is a cute story and it validates women for the wonderful people that they are–And not because they attracted the attention of the right man. What I also liked about this story is that it did not mention that in order for Princess Bubble to be happy living her life without a man, she had to go out and get a lot of cats. The crazy cat lady stereotype may now be put to rest!
http://womantribune.com/book-review-princess-bubble-susan-johnston

A life beyond finding Mr. Right

A life beyond finding Mr. Right
by Christine Fosterwrite the author

Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb (click for larger version)
January 06, 2009 | 10:16 AM
Once upon a time there were two Delta flight attendants who were single and unapologetic. Together, the women wrote a book that turned the traditional princess narrative on its head. The end.

Actually, Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb’s story of Princess Bubble is the opposite of “the end” theory, in which every princess gets her man and proceeds to ride off into the sunset. The classic fairytale, they say, is not always reality and can leave many young women wondering where it all went wrong if they don’t immediately find a prince charming.

The determination to change that kind of thinking is exactly what led Johnston and Webb to write Princess Bubble. Inspired by play dates with the daughters of her friends, Johnston was struck by the limited view of fairytale fantasy.

“These girls told me, as we played, that their Barbie or princess doll could not live ‘happily ever after’ without a prince,” she said. “I told them that I was single and had a great life. I had traveled the world and loved my family and friends. [But] they said, ‘You can’t live happily ever after, that’s not how it works.’”

A light bulb went off for Johnston. She began hearing more and more reports on girls who took drastic measures to impress boys, often turning to self-destructive beauty routines because they lacked real self-esteem or singular self-worth.

“I thought, ‘We are teaching these girls this message, it is time for a new type of fairy tale,’” she said.

Hearing Johnston’s idea, her friend, Webb, immediately came on board and together they wrote the story of Bubble, a princess who finds out that living happily ever after is not about finding a prince, but about “being comfortable with who you are already.”

“I grew up in the era of ‘The Bionic Woman’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels.’ These women were not waiting to be rescued. They were strong and independent,” said Johnston, who, along with Webb live in Atlanta. “I think it is fun for girls to have all the [dress up] costumes and be able to feel beautiful like a princess, but real princesses – like Princess Diana – do not just sit and wait to be rescued and served. They help others and make a difference. I want young girls to see the beauty that radiates from a person who cares about others. This is a lasting beauty that does not fade with time and gravity.”

The message has hit home for many women. The book has received national attention, including features on CNN and The Today Show. Clearly there is a demographic for this new kind of fairytale.

“We have been most surprised that married women have gotten so much out of Princess Bubble for themselves. We hear ‘I need to be reminded of this daily. My marriage is better when I remember the message of Princess Bubble, because I can not expect my husband to be everything to me, but to share my life with me,’” Johnston said.

She recently faced a lay off just like many other Americans and has seen the truth in what she preaches become even more important in her own life.

“It reminds me of how easy it is to believe or wish some knight in shining armor would ride up and say, ‘Don’t worry about money or insurance! You are a princess!’ [But] I believe even if Prince Charming was at my door right now waiting to rescue me that I would not truly have ‘happily ever after’ if I depended on him to be everything in my life,” she said.

However, the two authors try to make it clear that they are not anti-marriage. In fact, Johnston believes the message would only grow stronger if she was to get married.

“It appears to me [when you are married], you are having to remind yourself more that you are not perfect either and you are in a partnership and not in a Disney movie,” said Johnston, the “ultimate bridesmaid” who has participated in a staggering 17 weddings. “A partnership requires work to flourish.”

Johnston and Webb have big plans for Princess Bubble in the future.

“We would love for Princess Bubble to travel the world and learn about culture and how our differences make us special,” Johnston said.

So the story doesn’t end in the absence of a prince. In fact, it’s just the beginning.

Locally, you can purchase the book at the following locations: Phine and Whimsey-Duluth; My Sister’s Gifts-Alpharetta; Curls & Boys-Alpharetta; The Chandlery-Roswell; The Cannery-Alpharetta, or visit www.princessbubble.com.

Single on New Years?

Single on New Years?

I think New Year’s Eve is overrated. I always have. And I do not believe it is because I am 42 and single. It is like when you hear a movie is the greatest movie ever made and your expectations are so high that when you see the movie you think, “Well, it was alright.” Same with New Year’s Eve. If you go into to New Years not expecting much you will probably have a great night.

My plans are to hang out with my almost 3 and 7 years old nephews. You are probably thinking that will end at 7 p.m. Nope. These kids are on some crazy rock and roll schedule with their night owl parents and the kids will probably put me to bed.

This will probably be a great New Year’s because I know I can expect lots of tickles, hugs, kisses, rounds of hide and seek and diaper changes. These type expectations probably won’t let me down.

Whatever happened so great on New Years anyway originally that set the standard so high? Is it like Fat Tuesday? Everyone knows they plan on dieting as soon as the New Year rolls around so this is the last chance to eat up?

The worst New Year’s Eve I ever spent was on the millennium! I was a flight attendant at the time and laid over in I thought, “Well, at least I can go have a glass of wine or dinner with the crew.” The crew turned out to be a PDA gay couple and me. No one wants to hang out with a PDA couple gay or straight! And the hotel was having a narcotics and AA convention that night and had closed the bar. Not to mention, if you want to know how to age very quickly– do a lot of drugs. These people looked BAD!

I hoped that this was not a sign of the year to come!

I can’t even remember 2000 so it must not have been too bad. Not like 2007. 2008 has been trying for me personally because I lost job and one of my college roommate’s melanoma returned and other friends have lost their dad or are currently fighting for their dad’s life.

But I did have great things happen too in 2008-appearing on CNN and other shows promoting Princess Bubble. Making new friends and hearing how Princess Bubble has impacted lives.

My advice to you this New Year’s Eve with or without sweetheart-expect nothing! Think of it as a regular Wednesday night before a Thursday you don’t have to work and you will have a great time. Even if you end up soaking in the tub with tabloids and a glass of wine. (My favorite thing to do-next to sitting on the beach.)

Happily Ever After and Happy New Years from us at www.PrincessBubble.com
New Release, Princess Bubble, Strikes Chord with ’s 51% SINGLE WOMEN WHO, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, OUTNUMBER MARRIED WOMEN
, December 28, 2008—This New Years almost 90 million Americans will celebrate the romantic holiday single. Two successful prince-less princesses show the world that being a stuffy Old Maid does not have to be “in the cards” for single woman today! Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb offer girls of all ages updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince!
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as single, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a modern-day book that celebrates singleness. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that some single women face.

“Knowing how low self-esteem and depression plague many single females, we wanted to spread the message that ‘happily ever after’ can occur even before Prince Charming arrives. . . or even if he never does,” said Webb.

“We’re definitely not anti-Prince,” said (whose college nickname was “Bubble”). “We’re not anti-family or anti-marriage, if anything we’re anti-‘Damsel in Distress.’ Our message—the single life can also be a fairy tale. The End!”

Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” the book reveals, “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!”

check out www.PrincessBubble.com